LGBT therapists in Merrillville, IN

Stephanie believes that everyone is deserving of a safe place to work through life’s difficulties so she strives to create a warm, welcoming environment that promotes one’s highest potential. Stephanie has walked alongside many young adults, mature adults, and couples through difficult periods of life, transitions, and choices. Stephanie understands that no single approach is the right one for every individual so is trained in a range of modalities.

My name is Doug L. Watson, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, RN, and I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with three years of experience treating clients across the lifespan. While I’m trained to work with individuals of all ages, about 85% of my practice has been focused on pediatrics and adolescents—a population I’m truly passionate about serving. I see children as young as five years old through Telehealth up to ages 75 or higher if needed. I earned both my BSN and MSN from Indiana Wesleyan University, completing my graduate degree in October 2022.

I genuinely love what I do and have always felt called to the field of psychiatry. Becoming a Psych/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner has been one of the most fulfilling decisions of my life. I’m excited to be on my own, building a lasting career. I’m committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care and making a positive difference in the lives of my clients and their families.

Hello! I am glad to meet you and look forward to being part of your personal journey. First, a little about me and who you will be meeting.

I am a native of Southeastern North Carolina and graduated from Campbell University in Buies Creek, NC with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology. I transplanted to Louisville, KY in 1991 and pursued my Masters in Social Work Degree at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY. Between my early education, continued training and lived experiences, I am able to guide you to explore the mind, body, spirit connection.

I have experience working with all ages but most of my career has involved working with youth and their families.

I have a lot of experience addressing anxiety, depression, ADHD, LGBTQIA issues and parent/child problems and behavior issues. I have a growing interest in the area of women's health issues.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist who provides a sophisticated intellectual partnership for adults who feel internally chaotic despite external high-performance. My approach is designed for the intellectually curious—the high-achiever navigating "fraud" syndrome, complex trauma, or intense emotional volatility. I offer a high-fidelity space where we move beyond standard therapeutic scripts to name the underlying patterns you have been living in but could not quite see.

I actively participate in helping you get to where you want to go, and I offer insight when clients have a desire and readiness to hear it. I have worked in the mental health field for over ten years as well, so I have heard it all! My office is a no judgement zone first and foremost. I am a sex therapist and look forward to helping you overcome sexual shame and trauma so that you can have all the intimacy and closeness you desire.